This Very Bad Elf is one fine ale - rich, hardy, and flavorful, brewed to an original 1795 Thames Valley recipe, with a very special pale amber malt that is rarely used nowadays, and balanced by a modest addition of English Fuggle aroma hops. ’Ere’s to your elf!

Smell is a mix between malty dark fruits and light citrus hops, appearance is slightly cloudy, taste is heavier on hops than malt..60-40 citrus and sweet malt, unique mix, both bold and flavorful... Wish it was a touch less hoppy and maybe and even smaller margin of less sweet

Bottle from Booths, Media City. Golden-amber with a very thin head. It’s clearly strong tasting, but it’s not a strength that feels overbearing and there’s quite a tasty fruitiness to be had from drinking this seasonal ale. There’s fruit in its aroma too.

Hazy dark copper with a thin bubbly/foamy head. Rich almond and nutty nose with a bit of blonde biscuit and grassy hop. Nice flavor with a gentle toffee and almond malt tone with very little grassy hoppiness. Lovely and very quaffable. Mild nuttiness on the finish.

At cellar temperature and into a snifter. Brilliant, deep, orange amber with light effervescence. Resilient white froth atop laces a mean weave. Smoky phenolics, burnt toast and rubber bleeds from it and tickles the nose, but is ccleaned up by honey sweet, toasted malts. Similar phenolic clap on the palate. Quite heated with a vinous, sherryish burn that lasts. Malty with cereal notes upfront and a light note of honey and zing of lemon. Body is medium light with soft carbonation. Has a nutty backdrop build after a few swills. Drinks ok, but lacks a punch or wow factor. (50cL, BB 14/08/16, The Liquor Shed, Jandakot)

Join us! RateBeer is made by beer enthusiasts for the craft beer community.
Your basic membership is free and allows you to read all beer ratings.
Click here to create your account... and give your opinion!